Patent GB-278675-A (GB)
IPC: B61G1/16
Filed: 1927-08-11
Abstract: 278,675. Leonard, N. Oct. 7, 1926, [Convention date]. Couplings, automatic and non-automatic; couplings, automatic, convertible to non- automatic. - An automatic coupling comprises a claw 28, Figs. 1 and 3, articulated at 18 to a wrist member 10 and combined with a locking-member 45 such that the claw can turn either relatively to the wrist member or become locked therewith. The wrist member 10 is pivoted at 12 to a supporting-shackle 1 pivoted to the usual draught hook at 2 and supported on the hook by a removable pin 8. A yoke 35, connected to the coupling by the pin 12, is provided with upper and lower arms to which are pivoted the locking-member 45 at 44, and a control lever 40 at 39 respectively. The control lever 40 is provided with a projection 50 which is adapted normally to engage in a recess 20 in a cam surface 19 integral with the wrist member 10 to lock the yoke 35 to the wrist member and consequently to retain the locking-member 45, which slides in guides 22<2> ; 22<1>, in the wrist member 10, in its extended position, where it is wedged between a stop block 30 on the claw 28 and the wrist member 10. Fig. 3. In this position of the locking-member the wrist member, yoke, and claw can turn between stops, in the direction opposite to the arrow 32 against the compression of a spring 24 and the claw 28 can turn. between stops, in the direction of the arrow 32, against the tension of a spring 25 so that the hook and wrist member can turn laterally when coupling. In order to uncouple, the lever 40 is turned by the chain 52 against the torsion of a spiral spring 41. to release the projection 50 from the recess 20 and at the same time to strike an abutment whereupon the yoke 35 is partially turned and the lock 45 from behind the claw 28. The claw is now free to revolve as the vehicles separate. Further movement of the chain causes the yoke and lever 40 to revolve about the pin 12 until the projection 50 strikes an abutment at the end of the cam surface 19 whereupon the wrist member and claw are moved to a non-coupling position. When the chain 52 is slackened the springs 24, 25 extend and turn the coupling into its ready-tocouple position. The chain 52 may be connected to a drum on a transverse rotary shaft, a quadrant notched in three positions corresponding to the couple, uncouple, and not to couple positions being secured to the vehicle so that a spring plunger on the handwheel of the transverse shaft may engage therein. The lever 40 may be connected by a link to a bell-crank lever operated by rods connected to vertical levers on the sides of the vehicle. or a double-ended lever, pivoted to the centre of the vehicle so that it may move horizontally may be connected by a link to the lever 40. When levers are used lost-motion devices are incorporated to prevent uncoupling by shock. Each of the claws 28 may be provided with a safety hook and link, one link being placed over the opposing hook after the claws 28 have engaged. Two safety couplings spaced apart from the automatic coupling may be used, Fig. 47, and comprise a link 115 pivoted to the headstock and having lateral lugs 122 on which rests a link 123 combined with a hook. Each link 123 is provided with lateral wings 125 to guide the opposing hook into engagement. A transverse rotary shaft 119 is mounted on each vehicle and is connected by chains to the couplings, the shaft being rotated from either side of the vehicle by a lever 121 and both levers on one side of the vehicle are operated simultaneously to effect coupling. The pin 8, Figs. 1, 8, may be removed to permit the automatic coupling to be suspended from its pivot 2 so that the hook 3 may be used in non-automatic coupling of the vehicles.